10 best scenic boardwalks

They’re part lookout and part footpath so you can take in all angles as you move through these special spots around Western Australia.

From high clifftops to ground-level views of local wildlife, if you’re road tripping to any of these destinations, remember to check out these WA boardwalks.

Middleton Beach/Ellen Cove Boardwalk, Albany

The wide Ellen Cove Boardwalk stretches for 3km south from Middleton Beach and climbs uphill to meet up with Stirling Terrace in the city. Stop to take in the views over Middleton Beach and King George Sound at the lookouts dotted along the way. It’s also a great vantage point for whale watching from May to November.

Mangrove Boardwalk, Bunbury

Part of the 5.3km Mangrove Walk circuit, that takes in the ancient mangroves of the Leschenault Inlet, the 200m boardwalk takes you out into the heart of the mangrove, where you can also spot more than 60 different species of waterbirds. Start the walk at the Mangrove Cover Lookout off Koombana Drive. The full walk is wheelchair and pram accessible.

Eagle Bluff Boardwalk, Shark Bay

Looking out high over the waters of Denham Sound, the 400m Eagle Bluff Boardwalk takes in two small islands a short distance offshore and at times also affords a view of the local marine life swirling around the shallow waters below. Access the walk from the Eagle Bluff car park.

Lake Clifton Thrombolites boardwalk

Just south of Mandurah at Lake Clifton are the ancient thrombolites in the Yalgorup National Park. These living mounds of microorganisms are a striking feature of the coast here and are some of the oldest lifeforms on earth. To view them up close without causing any damage a wooden boardwalk stretches out into the water through the middle of the thrombolites.

Canal Rocks boardwalk, Yallingup

The series of craggy rocks that protrude out from the point at Canal Rocks have long been a captivating natural feature on this part of the coast. For the best views, take the narrow timber boardwalk across a section of rocks and over the surging ocean beneath. There’s also a 2km scenic walk trail from Canal Rocks around the corner to the equally spectacular Wyadup Rocks.

Koala boardwalk, Yanchep

Inside Yanchep National Park is a very different type of scenic boardwalk. This one winds through the park’s koala habitat, which is the only place in WA where you can see koalas in the wild. Koalas were first introduced to the park in 1938 and there are now five that you can see lazing in the trees. The koalas can be viewed from 8am and 4.30pm every day.

Cape Vlamingh boardwalk, Rottnest Island

The Cape Vlamingh boardwalk is located at the rugged and far less busy westernmost point of Rottnest Island. Visit Rottnest’s West End if you need a dose of the island’s raw and untamed beauty. There’s a bicycle parking area at the end of Digby Drive and then a short walk to Cape Vlamingh Viewing Platform before you hit the boardwalk that takes you out to the point.

Beedelup Falls boardwalk, Karri Valley

Part of the 4.5km Beedelup Look Walk trail that passes through RAC Karri Valley Resort, you can opt to just head out into the timber boardwalk to Beedelup Falls. Set out from the car park at the end of Beedelup Falls Road and make your way across the series of boardwalks, stairs and the 25m suspension bridge that take you deep int the lush forest and over the water at Beedelup Brook. An extended platform gives you a great view of the falls.

Island Rock to Natural Bridge boardwalk, Kalbarri

Hugging Kalbarri’s towering coastal cliffs, this 1.2km return boardwalk runs from Island Rock to the Natural bridge with a scenic lookout point to stop at in between. You can start from either the car park near the Natural Bridge or the small parking area at Island Rock. There are toilet facilities at the Natural Bridge car park.

Streeters Jetty, Broome

Yes, technically it is a jetty but today the revamped Streeters Jetty in Broome is a local attraction that takes visitors close to the mangroves in Roebuck Bay. Originally built for pear luggers in the late 1800s, the jetty was reconstructed and reopened in 2022. Depending on the enormous king tides you’ll either be standing over the water or over the mudflats when the tide is out. Take the 3.4km Jetty to Jetty Trail from here to the Old Jetty at Town Beach for more of an insight into Broome’s pearling history.